{"id":22078,"date":"2025-07-25T14:08:30","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T13:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/telecomkh.info\/?p=22078"},"modified":"2025-07-25T14:08:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T13:08:30","slug":"satellite-communication-a-powerful-addition-to-europes-digital-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/telecomkh.info\/?p=22078","title":{"rendered":"Satellite communication \u2013 A powerful addition to Europe\u2019s digital future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Satellite connectivity as a building block for a resilient network infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An article by Antje Williams, Senior Vice President, Deutsche Telekom\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Europe’s digital infrastructure rests on a solid foundation\u2014ready to support innovation. While our terrestrial networks are a source of pride\u2014for instance, Germany\u2019s 5G mobile coverage reaches over 98% of the population\u2014a new chapter in digitalization is already unfolding above our cell towers: in orbit.
\nAround 13,000 satellites, mostly active, currently circle the Earth. These satellites vary significantly in terms of altitude and technology. For example, geostationary satellites (GEO) orbit at 35,786 kilometers and remain fixed relative to the Earth\u2019s surface, enabling them to cover large areas continuously\u2014such as all of Europe. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, on the other hand, operate at altitudes of 500 to 1,000 kilometers. While more satellites are needed in LEO constellations to ensure coverage, they offer lower latency for modern communication services.
\nWherever terrestrial networks leave coverage gaps\u2014due to difficult terrain or the absence of infrastructure\u2014satellite communication offers a meaningful extension to ground-based infrastructures like mobile and fixed-line networks. This hybrid approach unlocks new possibilities in previously underserved regions and leads us to the two key use cases of satellite communication.<\/p>\n

The Two Pillars of Satellite Connectivity: Fixed Broadband and Direct-to-Handset Services<\/strong>
\nOne well-established service is fixed satellite broadband. A flat-panel antenna, typically installed on a rooftop, receives the satellite signal and forwards it to a modem, providing a stable internet connection\u2014even in areas with no fixed-line or mobile coverage. Today\u2019s offerings meet the needs of average household consumption. The technology is mature and widely available\u2014used as a backup for business customers or as a primary connection in specific scenarios.
\nStill in development is the Direct-to-Handset satellite service, enabling direct communication between a satellite and a standard smartphone\u2014without the need for additional hardware. While the technology is evolving, basic communication like text messaging (similar to SMS) is already possible. Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with Google and Skylo, achieved a major milestone: sending the first satellite SMS in Europe using a commercial smartphone, the Google Pixel 9, via a GEO satellite.
\nFor enterprise use cases, especially in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, connected devices and sensors are already leveraging a mix of cellular and satellite links. This convergence provides global, reliable coverage\u2014even in remote areas\u2014for industries like energy, logistics, and agriculture. In the near future, vehicles will also benefit, as all major automakers are working to integrate satellite-based data services.<\/p>\n

Frequency Regulation in Europe<\/strong>
\nFrequencies are the invisible backbone of all wireless communication\u2014without them, no signal can be transmitted or received. Regulating their use is essential for satellite communication. Some frequency bands, such as the Ku band (12\u201318 GHz), are explicitly allocated for satellite services and are already in active use, with established regulatory conditions.
\nTechnically, it is possible to use other frequency bands\u2014originally designated for different services like mobile networks\u2014for satellite communication. However, this requires permission from the original frequency holder. Mobile network operators, for instance, have exclusive rights and must ensure that their terrestrial networks are not negatively impacted. This kind of shared use is possible through prioritization mechanisms. The U.S. has already introduced regulatory frameworks for secondary satellite use on mobile frequency bands. Europe, however, has yet to implement a similar approach.<\/p>\n

Broadband Coverage \u2013 A Comparison with the United States<\/strong>
\nIn contrast to Europe, the U.S. faces much lower network coverage and therefore relies more heavily on satellite communication, especially for rural areas. Geographic vastness and fewer neighboring countries also provide more favorable conditions for satellite deployment.
\nT-Mobile US, a Deutsche Telekom subsidiary, already offers a commercial Direct-to-Handset satellite service. Both T-Mobile customers and those from other providers can subscribe to satellite messaging services powered by Starlink. Currently focused on text messages, future expansions will include voice and data capabilities.<\/p>\n

Non-Terrestrial Networks in Practice<\/strong>
\nAt Deutsche Telekom, we see satellite communication not as a backup solution, but as a smart extension of our services. Our goal is to seamlessly integrate non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) into existing infrastructure\u2014practically and with a customer-first mindset.
\nThat said, satellite-based Direct-to-Handset services face physical limitations, such as requiring a clear line of sight to the satellite, making them usable only outdoors. However, other NTN technologies offer exciting solutions. At the historic Jizersk\u00e1 50 cross-country ski race in the Czech Republic, a drone equipped with an LTE base station and satellite backhaul provided mobile coverage. Operating at an altitude of 2.3 kilometers, it offered speeds of up to 95 Mbit\/s across a 6-kilometer radius\u2014demonstrating the power of flexible, combined technologies to deliver connectivity in even the most remote settings.<\/p>\n

IRIS\u00b2 \u2013 Digital Sovereignty for Europe<\/strong>
\nWith IRIS\u00b2 (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), the EU is building its own secure satellite network\u2014a strategic move toward digital sovereignty. The objective is to create a high-performance and independent communications system accessible to both public institutions and businesses.
\nDeutsche Telekom is contributing as a core team member, bringing its expertise in ground infrastructure. In the first design phase, we are developing concepts for IT and data center services, secure networks (WAN), and a 5G core network for the system. To this end, we\u2019ve signed a contract with the SpaceRise consortium.
\nOutlook
\nThe future of telecommunications lies in the seamless convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. This integration will enable robust and high-performing communication services worldwide\u2014whether in densely populated cities, remote villages, or across the oceans. Particularly in Europe, where up to 98% of the population is already covered by 5G in some countries, the goal is not to replace but to intelligently enhance these networks.
\nAt Deutsche Telekom, we are actively shaping this future\u2014investing in innovative technologies like satellite communication and airborne base stations that will work hand in hand with mobile networks to drive Europe\u2019s digital transformation forward.<\/p>\n

Above, <\/em>A<\/span>ntje Williams, Senior Vice President, Deutsche Telekom \/ image credited to Deutsche Telekom<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Satellite connectivity as a building block for a resilient network infrastructure   An article by Antje Williams, Senior Vice President, Deutsche Telekom\u00a0 Europe’s digital infrastructure rests on a solid foundation\u2014ready to support innovation. While our terrestrial networks are a source of pride\u2014for instance, Germany\u2019s 5G mobile coverage reaches over 98% of the population\u2014a new chapter … <\/p>\n

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